If this were one of Nintendo's Pokémon games from Ash's previous life, then at this moment, after Shiny Gyarados entered the battlefield and its Intimidate Ability activated, the opposing Blastoise and Machamp would probably have had a notification appear above their heads:
[Attack -1]
But this was reality, not a game.
The effect of Intimidate was far more terrifying than a simple reduction of one attack stage.
In the real world, Intimidate didn't merely weaken physical attack power—it could suppress all attributes, and the extent of that suppression had no theoretical upper limit.
In other words, if a Pokémon's presence and aura were powerful enough, it could weaken not only an opponent's physical attack, but also special attack, defense, special defense, and even their overall combat performance.
The exact reduction depended entirely on the overwhelming pressure generated by the Pokémon's aura.
Theoretically speaking, if a Pokémon's presence reached a sufficiently terrifying level, it could defeat an opponent without ever fighting.
It could crush their will to battle.
Destroy their courage.
And in extreme cases, it might even scare an opponent to death.
Of course, Ash's Shiny Gyarados hadn't reached such a ridiculous level yet.
After all, Gyarados' level was still lower than both Blastoise and Machamp.
But causing a significant reduction in their combat ability?
That was absolutely possible.
"Blastoise, don't back away!"
"Believe in yourself—you are the strongest!"
"Machamp, don't be afraid!"
"Show them the spirit of a Fighting-type Pokémon!"
Seeing their Pokémon retreat under Gyarados' overwhelming pressure, Daizumi and Hideo immediately shouted words of encouragement.
Far from being intimidated by Ash's Shiny Gyarados, the brothers looked excited.
Very excited.
Because unlike Pikachu and Greninja, who were already familiar faces in Ash's lineup...
This Shiny Gyarados was different.
It had only evolved a few days ago on the shores of Cerulean City.
This was its official arena debut.
A battle guaranteed to attract enormous attention.
And as the debut opponents of Ash's Shiny Gyarados...
They were certain to receive a huge amount of attention afterward as well.
If they could seize this opportunity and put on a strong performance...
Perhaps they could become famous overnight.
...
"System, scan Blastoise and Machamp."
Seeing the excitement shining in the brothers' eyes, Ash could easily guess what they were thinking.
But he didn't mind.
That was simply the nature of the trainer profession.
Challenging strong trainers.
Defeating famous opponents.
Earning fame through battle.
There was nothing wrong with that.
While the brothers were staring eagerly at his Shiny Gyarados, Ash quietly ordered the system to scan their Pokémon.
"Ding! Scanning. Please wait..."
[Pokémon: Blastoise]
Level: LV.31
Attribute: Water
Nature: Calm
Ability: Torrent
Talent: Red
Skills (Copyable):
Mastered (1/1000): Tackle, Water Gun, Water Pulse, Flash Cannon
Proficient (1/500): Withdraw, Rapid Spin, Bite, Protect, Rain Dance
Novice (1/100): Tail Whip
…
[Pokémon: Machamp]
Level: LV.30
Attribute: Fighting
Nature: Brave
Ability: Guts
Talent: Red
Skills (Copyable):
Mastered (1/1000): Focus Energy, Low Kick, Revenge, Low Sweep, Knock Off, Storm Throw, Strength
Proficient (1/500): Leer, Scary Face, Wide Guard
Novice (1/100): None
The scan finished quickly.
The complete data appeared before Ash's eyes.
Both Blastoise and Machamp possessed higher levels than Gyarados.
Gyarados was currently only LV.23.
Clarissa's Chansey was LV.25.
On average, they were five to eight levels behind their opponents.
However—
"Blastoise usually evolves around LV.36."
"This one evolved at LV.31."
"That means it evolved before fully maximizing its Wartortle-stage potential."
"Its foundational stats probably aren't as solid as those of a naturally evolved Blastoise."
"And Machamp is a pure Fighting-type."
"It lacks reliable long-range attacks."
"It can only unleash its full strength in close combat."
"That's a weakness that's easy to exploit."
A confident smile appeared on Ash's face.
The level gap didn't concern him.
Not in the slightest.
"Ash!!"
"Clarissa!!"
"Ash!!"
"Ash!!"
The crowd's cheers continued erupting throughout the arena.
Most of the audience had come specifically to witness the debut of Ash's Shiny Gyarados.
But none of the trainers on the battlefield paid attention to the noise.
Seeing that all four Pokémon were in position, the referee immediately raised the green battle flag.
"Battle... Begin!"
"Mr. Ash, Miss Clarissa, excuse us!"
"Blastoise, use Water Gun!"
"Machamp, charge in!"
"Use Low Sweep and take down Gyarados!"
The moment the battle started, the eager brothers launched an aggressive opening attack.
"Blastoise!"
"Machamp!"
Blastoise lowered its body slightly.
Its shoulder cannons rotated into position.
Then—
WHOOSH!
Two powerful streams of water erupted from the barrels and blasted toward Gyarados.
At the same time, Machamp surged forward.
Its four muscular arms pumped furiously as it charged across the battlefield toward the golden sea serpent.
Watching the opening move unfold, Ash instantly understood their strategy.
"Blastoise specializes in defense and attrition."
"Water-type attacks aren't very effective against another Water-type like Gyarados."
"So their plan is for Blastoise to provide ranged pressure and support while Machamp serves as the primary attacker."
"Understood."
Clarissa immediately grasped Ash's intention.
Without hesitation, she issued her own command.
"Chansey!"
"Use Sweet Kiss on Machamp!"
Meanwhile, Ash calmly gave his instructions.
"Valor, ignore Blastoise's Water Gun."
"Use Aqua Ring!"
The battle had only just begun.
But Ash and Clarissa had already revealed the calm confidence of a veteran doubles team.
One side sought explosive offense.
The other chose stability and endurance.
And the first clash of Gyarados' arena debut was finally underway.